Shelled walnuts stay fresh in the pantry for about 12 months. Of course, it's not that after that period all nuts are discarded. But chances are that at least some of them are dry or stale, and some of them are stale. Shelled walnuts can last up to 12 months, maintaining their freshness and quality.
However, once the housing is removed, the life of the nut decreases significantly. Walnuts have a fair shelf life, which lasts up to 3 months with the shells set at room temperature. When the shells are removed, the nuts oxidize much faster and only stay fresh for a couple of weeks. Everyone, including me, agrees that going with the fridge or freezer is the best option if you want nuts to last as long as possible.
Nuts should maintain quality for about 12 months in the refrigerator and 24 months in the freezer (FK, UOC). Store shelled or unshelled walnuts safely in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator is a great option, as walnuts stay fresh for up to three months. You can also freeze walnuts for up to a year.
Shelled walnuts can be expected to last at least a year in the fridge. Just like in the pantry, they can also last much longer or not as long, but they can stay in good condition for 18 months or more. Although walnuts stay fresh for a long time, there comes a point where they are no longer appetizing. There are several different ways that nuts can go bad, some of which are obvious and some of which are not.
If that's the case, you'd probably like to know how long walnuts last and how to tell if a nut is in bad shape. Proper storage is easy and helps maintain the delicious, crunchy flavor and health benefits of walnuts, making them a perfect choice for your family's shopping list. However, possibly the most annoying thing about walnuts is that some that have left will go through these tests undetected. When buying walnuts in bulk, it's best to transfer them to airtight containers when you get home.
Because there are many factors to consider, it's best to arm yourself with information to determine how long your walnuts will stay in good condition. You can pack them in a resealable bag or container, or leave them in a ventilated container or bag. If you have shelled walnuts, the shell will tell you quite a bit about the quality of the nut it contains. You'll find that shelled walnuts can last 12 months in the freezer and chopped or ground walnuts for up to six months.
However, one important thing to know about walnuts is that sometimes, when the kernels and the appearance of the nuts appear to be OK, they can still be inedible. Exposure to warm temperatures for long periods of time will cause the fat in the nuts to change and become rancid. Keep in mind that stale walnuts often turn much darker in color, but it is often difficult to distinguish them by color alone. However, biting a nut that has passed its prime will leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth, and it will be an experience you don't want to repeat.